That is really a common issue and very easy to correct. The brackets at the roof line to which the top of the arms fasten have oval holes and can be shifted side-to-side to gain clearance. If you remove the lags that hold them, do caulk the threads when putting them back. When it catches side-to-side on the arm it usually catches on the rivet at the top of the arm.

Steve

 

I replaced the awning fabric on our 5'er a while back (on my own!), wasn't as hard as I was expecting although it would have been easier getting it in the top rail with another pair of hands. Previously it never quite returned properly, as in the arms didn't latch when closed unless I got on the roof & gave it a nudge. So when I fitted the new fabric I made sure that everything lined up perfectly before I put the stop screws in the top rail, it is now better than ever.

 

I did make minor adjustments... I should have said that..

Thank You again Mr. RV Tech.

I am a Manual type of guy.. and the used trailer did not have any... some stuff I have found online...

 

Good for you. I regard that as a two person job. Glad to hear you took the time to get the details right as so many folks don't!

Steve

 

It was raining and snowing here yesterday and I tried to just release the arm length adjuster and lift it up, but it would not budge. I think I will have to roll the awning out and then make the arms longer.. Hopefully the wind will die down and can do that today..

 

Randy,

It is very difficult to lift the legs, but be sure you released the roller tube lock or there is not way you can lift it.

Steve

 

Fyi, Camping World was offering 89 dollar installation if you bought the awning, and/or material from them.

 

We got the legs lifted a couple of inches after releasing the roller. However, there are no latches up there on the inside of those arms.. Sorry I could not get a picture.
But
Lifting the entire roller assembly up it did allow the arms to fully close.
Not being very trusting, I just decided to put two Zip-Ties on each side up at the top..

 

The locks are on the legs and the roller tube. That is it! That is why I posted a verbatim copy of Dometic instructions which say nothing about latches at the top. You can use ties if you want, but they are not necessary.

Steve

 

I guess I just don't understand what these gray things are on the face of the arm close to the top.....

 

Randy,

Those are rafter locks when your awning is out. Try extending your awning and I think you will see their role. They have nothing to do with locking your awning into place while traveling and, you could have done nothing at all and still had no problem.

There are a number of videos on Youtube that explain how to extend and retract awnings and watching one of those may prove helpful.

Steve

 

Thanks Steve... Headed to YouTube now....

 

The part you attached is the rafter lock that locks the rafter into the leg when you form the triangle that gives the awning strength when it is extended. Of course, you will see some folks who only partially slide the rafter up the leg, but that is never the correct way to extend an awning.

 

Got it! YouTube has almost everything!!!
Now I see how those locks are supposed to be used!
This is a pretty good video. I am wondering though --- when I bought my motorhome, they told me to put the strap in the middle and to move either towards the front or back a little as the awning was rolling up as that woul prevent bunching up or something like that..

 

It isn't fussy other than often folks move it around too much when it is rolling up and lose the strap completely in the fabric roll. So often, in my opinion, folks gets so carried away with what is right or wrong they spoil their fun with a lot of unnecessary rules.

Glad you found a video that is helpful to you.

Steve